HFMD cases among kids up in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Health officials have expressed concern over the sudden increase in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children in this city. Dr. Dulce Amor
Miravite, city health officer, raised the alarm as her office monitored 90 cases of infection among children, aged 1 to 4, between January and April 15. She said more than half of the cases involved girls. “It is common among children. Although we don’t have recorded deaths, HFMD is highly contagious. It’s not lethal, though,” she added. Its symptoms include fever, blisters or rashes, itchy skin and mouth sores. —JULIE S. ALIPALA